The Wild Belle (St. John Series)

by Lora Thomas

  “You have a beautiful family,” Michael acknowledged, turning to face the man before him.

  “Thank you. Now, you must be tired. I will have Sally ready your room for you. It will take a little while, but feel free to wait here in my study.”

  “Thank you,” Michael answered. “But I must say, since Young Amos informed me about your crystal lake, it has intrigued me.”

  Ott nodded his head. “I’ll have Joseph take you there. I would show you to it myself, but I have unfinished business that I need to attend to.”

  “That’s quite all right. I know my early arrival was not expected. I am certain I can find it if you direct me to the location.”

  “Very well,” Ott replied and walked over to the large window. He motioned for Michael to follow him. “Do you see that out cove of pecan trees?”

  “Yes.”

  “Go to the right of those. You will see a very large oak tree—you can’t miss it. It’s the largest tree on the plantation. When you see the oak, walk under its branches. There will be a brick-lined path behind the tree. Just follow that path, it will take you right to the lower lake.”

  “Thank you. I shouldn’t be too long. Just need to freshen up a bit after my journey.”

  “Take your time. I wasn’t expecting you until tomorrow, so your early arrival has taken me off guard. I’ll inform Sally to get extra help to make sure your room is ready for you when you return.”

  “No need to take your workers from their tasks. I’m in no hurry.”

  “Very well.”

  Ott escorted Michael through the house to the back entrance.

  “Feel free to come back in this way.”

  “Thank you.” Michael walked out of the home and followed the directions given to him by Ott. The large oak was easy to spot. Its massive branches spread out over thirty feet in all directions. The branches dipped low to the ground, begging passersby to perch upon them. Each branch was covered in clusters of Spanish moss. As he walked under the tree, Michael ran his hand along the rough bark. He noticed that the tree appeared to make a tunnel in the back. He headed towards the tunnel and noticed the brick path. The path extended into the thick brush several feet. Michael followed the path for several minutes until he saw a small bench and the small lake behind it.

  The image of the lake looked like it had been taken out of a painting. The lake was small, one might consider it more of a large pond, but the waters were crystal clear. The lake was surrounded by a multitude of different colored wildflowers and encircled by smaller trees. There was enough sunlight peering through the overgrowth of trees to cast the reflection of the surrounding foliage onto the water. Behind the lake was another large live oak tree, its long branches dipping low, almost touching the water and then curving gently up, rising, reaching for the heavens. The Spanish moss clung to the low-hanging branches making it appear angelic, as though you were watching an angel spread its wings just before flight. He could imagine children jumping off the low tree branches into the cool refreshing water. A faint rumble could be heard and he knew the noise was from the waterfall that Young Amos had told him about.

  Michael quickly undressed, laying his clothing on the stone bench beside the lake. He entered the water and sucked in his breath at the coolness of the water. As hot as the climate was in the south, he never would have imagined that the water would be this cold. After several minutes his body adjusted to the refreshing water, and he swam to the other side of the lake. Michael had been swimming back and forth across the lake for almost twenty minutes before he heard the rustle of the leaves on the live oak behind him. He turned and the sight that greeted him took his breath.

  * * * *

  Andrea spurred her horse and jumped the fence at her home unaware that there was a stranger present. As her mother yelled after her, she lowered her body to the sleek gray thoroughbred and spurred Comet to run faster. Inwardly, Andi was groaning. What was her mother still doing awake? It was well after one o’clock in the afternoon, long enough for her mother to be lying down for her nap.

  Let her be mad at me, Andi thought, as she raced her horse across the pasture of the southern part of the plantation. She was frustrated. Frustrated at Ashton for being, well—Ashton. Frustrated at Alyssa for turning eighteen and not being willing to stand up to their parents. Frustrated at her parents for forcing her to marry.

  Her thoughts became numb under the hypnotic noise of the horse’s pounding hooves on the sandy soil. The horse began to slow her pace when it sensed Andi loosening her grip on the reins. Comet slowed to a walk. Andi sat upright and followed the riverbank. She rode until she was at the edge of her father’s property adjacent to the Petersons’ land.

  The thought of marriage to her neighbor’s nephew soured her stomach. The Petersons were a strange lot in looks and actions. Most had overly large ears with small lips and beady eyes. Their noses were all long and pointy, like beaks. In Andi’s eyes, most resembled buzzards. A shiver ran down her spine as she imagined marriage to one of those atrocious men. When they walked, they waddled like ducks. They kept to themselves mostly, and when they did socialize, they were constantly watching others like they were waiting for someone to jump out and nab them. It wouldn’t surprise her to find out they held prisoners in the root cellars of their home—poor unsuspecting souls they would perform heinous experiments on.

  She turned her horse around. Leaning down, she patted the side of Comet’s neck and felt the sweat on her hand. She looked down and noticed the white foaming lather of the sweat.

  “Sorry, old girl,” she apologized, patting her horse again. “We’ll walk back so you can cool down.”

  Andi nudged her horse gently back towards the direction she had come. She could feel a trickle of sweat run down her brow and another down her spine. Maybe a swim in one of her ponds would help. What a splendid idea! Swimming always helped with her thoughts and frustrations. She turned Comet in the direction of her lake.

  As Andi rode closer to the lake she could hear splashing. Who would be swimming in her lake? She pulled back on the reins to stop Comet. She slid down the horse and tied her off at a nearby tree next to a small stream.

  Andrea cautiously made her way over to the large live oak at the back of the lake. Climbing up on the large low-hanging branches, she made her way to the water. She was taken by surprise. There was a stranger swimming in her lake! No, not just a stranger, but a man! Her cheeks began to burn with embarrassment when she noticed that he was unclothed. She turned to leave, but then a thought hit her—this must be Egbert!

  An evil smile crossed her beautiful face. If she made herself appear too outspoken and brazen for this English lord, then he would refuse to have her for a bride. Last summer when she traveled to Charleston with her father, she had met several English ladies. They were all sophisticated and well behaved. None were outspoken. They were refined and elegant, with pristine, translucent complexions and sweet demeanors.

  Andrea lowered her body to sit down on the low-hanging branch just above the water. She bent her knees and rolled her pant legs up exposing her firm calf and took off her shoes. Tossing her shoes to the dry bank, she allowed one leg to lower into the water. She began making noise by swirling her foot in the cool water.

  * * * *

  Michael watched the beautiful creature perched on the low-hanging branch. She was dressed as a boy, but her long blond hair blowing in the breeze gave away her gender. Michael watched the woman look at her foot swirling in the water. She would turn it in clockwise circles and then reverse directions. Her right knee was bent and she had her forearm resting on it with her chin cupped in her hand. She turned to face him and looked at him through her long thick lashes, smiling coyly. He sucked in his breath. She was not just beautiful, she was breathtaking. She had a heart-shaped face and high delicate cheekbones. Her wide forehead was lined with long wavy blond curls. She gave a small giggle and crinkled her small upturned nose, then licked her overly sensuous pink lips.

  She s
aid nothing as she stared at him. She was not able to speak. Never in her life had she seen a more handsome man! If this was Egbert, then he must not take after the Peterson side of the family—either that or he wasn’t really a Peterson. His dark brown hair was damp and clung to this square jaw. His eyes held her in place as they scanned her body, and she felt heat enter her.

  Michael swam towards the pixie and stopped several feet away. Her cheeks brightened with embarrassment. He took an exasperated breath.

  “Can I help you?” he asked.

  Andi smiled shamelessly again. “No. Just waitin’,” she replied coyly in a thick southern drawl.

  Michael looked uneasily around. “For whom?”

  “For you.”

  A sensual smile crossed Michael’s face. “For me? How? You don’t even know me.”

  She looked deep into his eyes. Her heart fluttered as she looked into the midnight blue orbs. Licking her lips nervously, she brazenly continued, “No, I don’t. But ya see, I’ve never seen a naked man before and when I saw ya here, I just couldn’t pass up the chance.”

  Michael’s look quickly changed to one of shock. “What?” he asked with agitation to his voice.

  “Ya see, my sister is always tellin’ me what a naked man looks like, but I never believe her—she has a tendency ta over-exaggerate things. So when I saw ya swimmin’ in my lake I decided you would do.”

  “Here now,” Michael protested with notable frustration. “I do not think that would be appropriate, especially since you have now indicated that you are an innocent.”

  “Why does that make a difference, whether or not I’ve been with a man? I’m just wantin’ ta look, not touch.”

  “Well, they go hand in hand.”

  “Do they now?”

  “Yes. So run along now, so I can continue my swim.” The impatience in his voice was clear.

  “No.”

  “Now see here. You have no idea who I am—”

  “You’re that Earl. I’m Andi by the way,” she interrupted.

  He closed his eyes and took a slow controlling breath. He opened them and watched as she swirled the water with her foot. His eyes traveled up her well-toned calf to her knee. He noticed that her pants were rolled up to avoid touching the refreshing water.

  “Andi? Why on earth would you have a male name?” He held up his hand to halt her answer. “Never mind. I think you should leave now, Andi, because I have no intention of helping you ease your curiosity about the male body.”

  She tilted her head sideways, looking at him. Careening her neck to give the appearance of trying to see him though the water, she said, “You will.”

  He turned slightly to keep her prying eyes from viewing his body. “Will I?”

  “Yes. Ya see, you’re floatin’ right overtop of Ole Cecil.”

  “Who, pray tell, is that?”

  “A gator.”

  “A gator?”

  “Yeah, most don’t like these cold waters, but not Ole Cecil—he likes ‘em. Either way I’ll see ya naked. Whether you’re alive or dead.”

  Michael looked into Andi’s eyes and couldn’t tell if she was joking or not, but he wasn’t taking any chances. He let out a faint curse and began swimming towards the shore. This was one of the few reasons why he hated these trips—the women, in one form or another. There were either not enough of them or too many, but never had he had any be so bold . . . until now.

  “Swim faster, he’s after ya’,” Andi hollered at Michael, with urgency to her voice. “Go! Go! Go! He’s about ta get ya!”

  He kept his current pace. If there was an alligator after him, he could not outswim it. As he neared the shore he turned, allowing his body to stay submerged in the shallow water. His eyes scanned the water for the alligator.

  “He’s right there!” Andi yelled excitedly. She stood, bobbed up and down in an excited manner and pointed several feet out in front of him.

  “Damn it to hell,” Michael mumbled as he stood and walked out of the water.

  Andi’s eyes grew wide at the sight of his naked body. As she studied his well-toned, muscular body, a funny feeling arose deep inside her, as though her body were becoming consumed by flames. Try as she might she just couldn’t tear her eyes away from his magnificent physique. He was perfect! His chest was broad and muscular. There was a dark patch of hair in the center. Her eyes followed the dark hair downwards until it reached his manhood. Her eyes grew wide at the sight. Never had she imagined that it would look like that or be that large! She swallowed nervously. Old Amos’s shout broke the spell that held her eyes in place. She tore her eyes away and quickly climbed out of the tree. Grabbing her discarded shoes, she untied Comet. She was on the horse’s back in an instant and disappeared into the brush.

  Michael turned toward the voice.

  “Mr. Michael?” Old Amos appeared. Amos took in the younger man’s naked form and a small smile crossed his face. His “tee hee” laugh was followed by, “You expectin’ someone?”

  Michael looked to Old Amos, then to the tree, then back down at his naked form. “No. I thought I saw an alligator.”

  Old Amos slowly shook his head. “There ain’t no gators in these waters. It’s too cold fer yer pod, sa ya know it’s too cold fer gators.”

  A small chuckle escaped from Michael. “Yes, I suppose so,” he replied, turning to look at the live oak again, agitated, realizing that Andi had gotten her wish.

  “Better put yer clothes on,” Old Amos told him. The older man walked over to the bench and tossed Michael’s clothing at him. “Don’t wanna give Miss Mandy the vapors when she sees that,” he said, pointing at Michael’s well-endowed manhood.

  Michael gave Old Amos an exasperated look and quickly dressed. Once finished, he took one last look at the large tree at the back of the lake looking for the pixie named Andi. He followed Amos back to the house wondering how he would find her.

  Chapter Five

  When Michael returned to the plantation home, he was greeted again by Amanda. She apologized profusely for her prior behavior and then escorted him up the grand staircase to his room.

  Michael walked over to the floor-length window, pulled back the curtains and opened the large window. The room was in the back of the home facing the river, and he was greeted by a cooling breeze. He took off his waistcoat and tossed it onto a red velvet chair. Turning, he walked to the glass-covered door beside the window, opened it and walked out onto the veranda. Looking to the left and right, he realized that one could walk around the entire house without interruption from here.

  His thoughts returned to the beautiful pixie in the tree. Where had she come from? Who was she? She obviously knew who he was; she had called him by his father’s title. But how did she know of his background? One thing Michael knew for certain was that she was not one of Ott’s daughters. Daughters of wealthy men did not behave so brazenly.

  Michael drew his brows together. But didn’t his sister, Madison, behave in such a way? True, but she was a child then, and she outgrew those antics, which led Michael to the conclusion that his first assessment was correct . . . Andi was not from a wealthy family.

  Michael walked back into the room. Sitting down on the small settee, he took off his black boots. He leaned back, stretched his feet out in front of him and crossed them at the ankles. Leaning his head back on the wall, he closed his eyes. Sleep was about to find him. Suddenly he was startled awake by an object landing in his lap. Michael shot upward quickly and saw a cat in his lap. The cat nudged his hands, demanding attention.

  “How did you get in here?”

  The cat answered with a purr and Michael rubbed its gray head. He looked around the room and noticed the door was cracked open. As he picked up the cat and placed it gently on the settee, he noticed her large abdomen.

  “Don’t get any ideas of having your kittens in here. I can assure you that I do not wish my belongings soiled by your litter,” he told the cat. She answered his request with a loud meow and began licking her
paw.

  Michael walked over to the door and pushed it closed, only to find that it cracked open again. He pushed it closed again, and again the door opened. He bent down and examined the doorknob and noticed that the latching mechanism was not working properly. He moved the handle back and forth several times and the latch came out. He closed the door, but the door opened again. This time, Michael closed the door and jiggled the handle, and it stayed closed.

  When he turned to return to the settee, there was a faint knock on the door. He opened it and noticed Ott standing outside.

  “Beggin’ your pardon, Michael, but Mandy forgot to mention that supper will be served at six.”

  “Thank you.”

  “It’s nothing formal, so please do not feel inclined to dress as such. What you had on earlier will suffice. We won’t be having a more formal dinner until Saturday.”

  Michael nodded his head in understanding and closed the door as Ott left, this time remembering to jiggle the doorknob. He looked around and noticed the gray cat had made herself comfortable in the center of his large four-poster bed. She was happily bathing herself and her loud purring echoed throughout the room.

  Michael spotted his sea chest in the corner of the room and walked to it. His belongings had already been unpacked for him and placed in the large wardrobe beside it. He mumbled under his breath. He didn’t like others going through his belongings; that was how things would mysteriously disappear. After a quick inspection, he realized that all his belongings were intact.